Can Security Use Handcuffs?
11 January 2023 2023-11-29 14:13Can Security Use Handcuffs?
Before entering the private security sector, it is vital to become aware of certain things, especially the points that clearly differentiate between private security and law and order. Based on the information and your understanding of it, selecting the right job will become easier. It will also help you to adapt to the course and subsequent responsibilities accordingly. Completing a security course gives you the ability to work in the private security sector. However, it does not give you unlimited power and rights.
Understanding the rampant confusion
The point of handcuffs is confusing because this particular type of restraining tool is carried by law enforcement. So, the consensus is that only the members of the police force can carry handcuffs. A person working in the private security sector cannot do that. To ensure that as a private security professional, whether you can or cannot carry handcuffs, the best choice is to check the guidelines promoted and maintained by SIA.
Right guide for you
SIA is the authority which monitors the private security sector in the UK. By following the rules and regulations crafted and promoted by this organisation, you can become a responsible private security professional. According to the SIA guidelines, the organisation neither endorses nor declines the use of handcuffs. Currently, there isn’t any law in the UK preventing civilians from carrying handcuffs; the use of it is a different matter altogether.
SIA guidelines and your rights within it
According to the guidelines from SIA, which you will learn during your SIA course from a reliable and reputed institution, private security operatives do not have any special power over and above civilians. This means that even as a private security professional, you are considered a civilian, and under that definition, you can carry handcuffs. With every bit of power comes the necessary responsibility. In this context, your responsibility is knowing if and when you can use handcuffs to restrain someone.
Being aware of your responsibilities
Justifying the use of handcuffs on a civilian without proper reasoning and proof is considered a crime. As a private security operative, you are not exempted from this rule. If you are carrying handcuffs, it is wise to know when you can use them within the purview of your job. Not being aware of this point, if you end up putting handcuffs on people willy-nilly, it can turn into a huge issue and may affect your career. Therefore, before enrolling on a security course, it is necessary to check the course modules carefully. It is vital to know what you will be taught during the course; otherwise, time spent on the course won’t be of any help to your career.
How can we help you and your career?
At Vertex Academy, we have been offering security courses and other courses to help you prepare for a career in the private security industry. We aim to educate people properly before they can enter the industry and gain the responsibility of keeping people safe in private venues and settings. Providing proper education and information is the best approach to preparing future private security operatives. It will make their job easier and help them keep civilians safer. Please visit our website to learn about us or check out our courses. You can contact us today with any queries or doubts you may have.
